HPCL keen to invest in refinery & biogas sectors: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

Punjab’s emergence as a preferred investment destination received another major boost on Monday when Prime Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann received major investment commitments from Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and announced plans to expand the energy giant’s footprint in the state through investments in refining, biofuel and biogas sectors.

In his meeting with HPCL Chairman Vikas Kaushal, the Prime Minister highlighted Punjab’s solid infrastructure, strategic location, investor-friendly policies and transparent governance framework, which have helped position the state as North India’s most attractive investment hub. The meeting also announced that HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL) is further expanding its operations in Punjab, including biofuel and biogas projects, which are expected to create employment, strengthen the rural economy, support industrial growth and provide a sustainable solution for agricultural waste management.

During the meeting, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann showcased Punjab’s position as North India’s preferred investment destination and highlighted the state’s strategic location, seamless connectivity with the National Capital Region and major ports, strong industrial clusters, uninterrupted quality power supply, skilled workforce and progressive policy ecosystem. The Prime Minister also briefed the HPCL delegation on Punjab’s governance and regulatory reforms, including the Fast Track Punjab single window system providing services to businesses from over 173 states, automatically accepted approvals, PAN-based business identifiers and amendments to the Punjab Right to Business Act to ensure in-principle approvals are time-bound.

Meanwhile, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said: “Punjab Government’s vision is simple and clear. We want to make Punjab a preferred destination for the global industry by providing stability in policy, speed in decision-making and a management system that respects investors’ time and trust.”

The Prime Minister reiterated that the Punjab Government is fully committed to promoting investments and creating a conducive environment for the industry. “It is encouraging that HPCL has shown keen interest in investing in key sectors such as refinery and biogas in Punjab. These investments will significantly benefit the state. Besides providing a major boost to economic activity, these projects will open up new avenues of employment for the youth of Punjab,” he said.

The Chief Minister further said, “It is encouraging that HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited is further expanding its operations in Bathinda by working on 2G technology. This initiative has tremendous potential to strengthen the biofuel sector while creating value from agricultural residues.”

He also informed that the company is in the process of setting up ten biogas plants in Punjab, five of which are already operational. “These biogas projects will go a long way in ensuring effective management of agricultural waste in the state. This will not only help in addressing environmental concerns but will also greatly benefit farmers,” added CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Providing full support and cooperation to the HPCL delegation, the Prime Minister said that the Punjab Government remains committed to attracting investments and facilitating industrial expansion. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The investors are true patriots who have served the nation by making huge investments, creating employment for the youth and ushering in an era of unprecedented progress and prosperity. The Government of Punjab stands with every investor who wants to contribute to the growth of the state.”

He also assured the delegation that the business environment in Punjab has undergone complete transformation. “There was a time when investors faced unnecessary hurdles and undue demands. Today, the Punjab Government works solely for the welfare of Punjab and Punjabis and is committed to providing a transparent, investor-friendly ecosystem,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Dr. Ravi Bhagat, Industries Secretary Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Rural Development Secretary Ajit Bala Ji Joshi and other senior officials were also present.